SHERLOCK: A SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA PART 2 #1, from Titan Comics on August 17th, 2022, continues adapting the acclaimed Sherlock series in Manga form. Competing forces are after the secret phone sent to Sherlock by Irene Adler. Can Sherlock unlock the phone and discover its secret before the competition gets deadly?
The Details
- Written by: Steven Moffat
- Art by: Jay
- Letters by: Amoona Saohin
- Cover art by: Alice X. Zhang (cover A)
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: August 17, 2022
Is It Good?
SHERLOCK: A SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA PART 2 #1 is solid… with a few caveats. If you love Sherlock Holmes adventures (we do) and if you love the recent BBC version of Sherlock starring Benedict Cumberbatch (we do) and if you love Manga (we do), then there’s nothing not to like. However, this issue works best if you like all three preferences as well. Best one or two out of three, and this issue may fall a little flat.
The major caveat is that this issue, as with Part 1, is a direct adaptation of the Sherlock episode of the same name. This isn’t an update to the story or an alternate take. This is a shot-for-shot, word-for-word reproduction of the episode. Therefore, if you’ve seen the episode, you won’t see anything here that you haven’t already.
However, if you like the idea of a retelling with a slight Manga flair, particularly in the sound effects, or if you’re fond enough of the source material to want to collect the story in other formats, you’re going to LOVE this adaptation.
Moffat’s writing surprisingly translates just as well to the comic medium as it does on the small screen. Sherlock’s preternatural gifts for observation and problem solving are captivating, and the magnetic push-pull of Sherlock’s “relationship” with Adler is palpable. All the wit and charm of the show are present with the added benefit of Jay’s gift for nuanced facial acting in the pencils/inks. The story looks great, reads great, and the Manga reading style gives the story a unique flair.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at the covers, or Click Here to jump right to the story description with some spoilers.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
We begin with John Watson confronting Irene Adler after the reports of her death are proven to be greatly exaggerated. John coerces Adler into texting Sherlock to let him know she’s alive.
Meanwhile, Sherlock returns home and notices signs of forced entry. He soon finds Mrs. Hudson slightly injured and held at gunpoint by a group of men. They demand the phone given to Sherlock by Adler. Sherlock agrees to comply only if the leader’s men leave the flat. The leader agrees, but as the two are left alone, Sherlock quickly overpowers the leader and holds him for the police.
Later, Sherlock examines the phone at Molly Hooper’s lab, looking for a way to unlock it. We conclude the issue with a talk about girlfriends and a surprising client visit.
Keep scrolling for a closer look at preview images of the internal pages, or Click Here to jump right to the score.
Final Thoughts
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SHERLOCK: A SCANDAL IN BELGRAVIA PART 2 #1 is a strong adaptation of the Sherlock series and episode of the same name. All the wit and charm from the show are present, and the direct adaptation feels fresh yet familiar with Manga-style art. If you love Sherlock and this episode, this is a worthy collectible.
Related Information
Is there a Sherlock Holmes in real life?
No, Sherlock Holmes is an entirely fictional character. Holmes’s creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, drew inspiration from his own research and people he knew, but there is no definitive person who can claim to be the real-life Sherlock Holmes.
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